Best Harness Type?

This has probably been asked a thousand times before but my forum search didnt turn up anything recent.

I'm planning on starting Anya on a harness very soon and was going to buy one this week. Which type do you recommend, H-Style or Figure 8 Style harnesses? And do you recommend a regular lead, or one that is retractable?

I remember hearing that one is far better than the other, but I don't remember which.


PLUS: If anyone has any training tips I'd love to hear them!

Here is a link to an adjustable H harness. That is what I prefer for my cats. http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=8372

As far as actual training, I just put the harness on the cat, go outside and watch them get used to it.

Most cats don't automatically take to the harness, but I believe if you don't make a big deal of it then they will accept without much problem.

I was hoping someone would say they liked the H-syle because I just LOVE this one that I've found online.

Cherry Blossom Cat Harness

I use small dog harnesses, they have a strap down the chest so it's harder for the cat to try and wiggle out. I like retractable leads that way I can put the breaks on when they try to go somewhere they shouldn't.

Originally Posted by missymotus

I use small dog harnesses, they have a strap down the chest so it's harder for the cat to try and wiggle out. I like retractable leads that way I can put the breaks on when they try to go somewhere they shouldn't.

Click to expand...

I've got some step-in harnesses also, but they are much more difficult to put on the cat than the H style I think. I did however, use an H and a step-in both on Stinker at the same time when having him learn the yard. He's quite slim and I didn't trust him to stay in one or the other alone while tied out.

Thanks everyone! I ended up ordering the harness and lead that I linke dto above from Dr. Fosters and Smith. They usually only sell good quality products, it was on sale, and it was just too cute! Once I get it in the mail I'll update you guys on the training process. They had a neat article on how to do it on the Fosters and Smith website.

I highly recommend the Lupine harness you ordered. I tried a few out with Abby, and hands-down, I found Lupine to be the best. I do use it with the Lupine lead as well. I also buy her Lupine collars all the time.

Just be prepared to see her walking very low to the ground when you first bring her outside

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

I highly recommend the Lupine harness you ordered. I tried a few out with Abby, and hands-down, I found Lupine to be the best. I do use it with the Lupine lead as well. I also buy her Lupine collars all the time.

Just be prepared to see her walking very low to the ground when you first bring her outside

Click to expand...

Thanks for the warning Karen.

Question: I have an ID tag for Anya that slips over adjustable 3/8" collars. She HAS to be wearing an ID tag on the plane and in the airport when we travel in December. Rather than make her wear the collar too (which she doesn't care for and I've decided she looks cuter without it), do you think it would be feasible to just slip the ID tag onto the neck part of the harness?

I don't see why you couldn't. It should be the same as putting it on the collar.

I put my cats' ID tags on the loop for the lead!

There are some excellent hints and tips in the Walking the cat thread!

The harness and leash came today!

I put it on her and let her get used to it. I was a bit worried at first. She did a lot of running, wallering, kicking, body slamming, etc, before she just settled down and looked mad at the world. All the literature and tips said to be ready for them to "flip out" a little at first though. She soon calmed down and seemed to get used to wearing it. She probably had it on for 4 hours or so and even took a nap in it before I took it off. Maybe tomorrow we'll try attaching the leash.

The one of mine that really tickled me when I put a harnes on was Stinker. He was walking backwards all over the place trying to back out of it.